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Celebrate summer with safe boating

Thousands of boaters will take to Florida’s beautiful waterways this weekend for Memorial Day. Nothing says the start of summer better than a sunny day and a boat ride with family and friends.

To enjoy your day to the fullest, remember to be careful. Safe boating is in your hands!

Each year, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers respond to far too many tragic boating accidents. Unfortunately, they have been to 236 accidents so far this year, including 11 fatalities.

Earlier this month, two officers were called to an accident near Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach. Two vessels collided, causing one of them to capsize, leaving three people stranded in the water. Fortunately, the people only suffered minor injuries and were able to swim to shore. Some are not that lucky. Out of last year’s 62 boating fatalities, 38 were due to drowning.

There are some basic things you can do to keep yourself safe and have a fun day on the water. First and foremost is to pay attention! Boat operators need to keep an eye on their surroundings, including weather, waves, wildlife and objects like waterway markers, docks and other boats.

The FWC reports that boat operators failing to pay attention remains the leading cause for boating accidents. FWC officers patrol our waterways to keep all boaters safe by checking that they have the appropriate gear and are operating safely. Ensure your encounters with FWC officers are positive ones by planning ahead and paying attention on the water.

Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2016 Agency Regulatory Plan.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing..